By FORTUNE ABANG

The Federal Government has flayed the coronation and activities of Eze Ndigbo “Igbo Kings” in foreign countries.

Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, against the backdrop of the Imeobi meeting, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu.

The minister in the statement issued by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, described the situation as an embarrassment.

According to her, it has become a big embarrassment to the government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries, where they have Eze Ndigbo.

“This is as the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland”.

She narrated that Igbo associations in diaspora usually stage cultural activities to promote their heritage, but unfortunately, the enthronement of traditional rulership by some of these Igbo groups has severely caused friction.

This, according to her, is not just among the Igbo communities themselves, but also between the Igbo and their host communities.

The minister stated that people could still express themselves culturally without causing nuisance to the indigenous people of the host country and others.

She recounted that recently, violent protests erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, following the controversial coronation of a Nigerian Igbo leader, Solomon Eziko, as “Eze Ndigbo na East London” Igbo King in East London.

Also the event sparked an outcry from local residents, traditional leaders, and political parties, leading to violence, the torching of foreign-owned vehicles, and looting.

“On March 14, 2026, Eziko was crowned as a traditional leader in KuGompo City, East London, a move interpreted by South Africans as an unlawful challenge to local sovereignty and traditional leadership structures.

“Protests began on March 30, with demonstrations organised by groups including ActionSA, which quickly escalated into violence. The protesters targeted foreign-owned businesses and vehicles, with reports of no fewer than 13 vehicles being destroyed.

“At least one stabbing incident was reported, and police had to use stun grenades and tear gas to restore order.

“The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders condemned the coronation as flagrant violation of customary protocols.

“Also, the South African government’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared the installation illegal and in violation of the constitution,” she said.

She revealed that the ministry deployed diplomatic channels in tackling the situation, adding that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa distanced itself from the coronation, acknowledging it was a cultural event misinterpreted and not formal, recognised monarchy.

She also said the Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria officially apologised for the confusion and crisis, urging Nigerians in South Africa to maintain a low profile and avoid further confrontations.

The minister said the Deputy High Commissioner, Olajide Ogunmadeji, had addressed some protesters saying the situation was misinterpreted, as the coronation was only ceremonial, rather than the installation of traditional authority that defied the existing system.

She recalled a similar incident that occurred in Ghana in July, 2025 because of the Eze Ndigbo issue, while addressing the Ohanaeze Imeobi/General Assembly.

She disclosed leading delegation to Accra to douse the tension, as Ghanaian protesters demanded Nigerians must leave, saying aggrieved Ghanaians issued compatriots quit notice, insisting Nigerians must go.

The minister urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to prescribe sanctions for any persons flouting its directive abolishing Igbo traditional rulership outside Igboland.

She quoted the President_General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Sen. Azuta Mbata, to have presented the decision of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, saying they have adopted the position of the traditional rulers abolishing the Eze Ndigbo title in diaspora.

“Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own.

It is unknown to the Igbo people and we will call upon all state governors, we will correspond to all embassies in the world informing them about the position of Ndigbo.

“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

“We will determine in consultation with the kings of Igbo land what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position and that punishment will be implemented at the village level.

“Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation.”

She further assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would help disseminate the Ohanaeze communique on the issue through its Missions and High Commissions. (NAN)

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